Who Are American Baptists?

American Baptist Churches USA exists as a denomination to offer its 5,800 churches a sense of family and to provide resources to support them in life-changing ministries undertaken in the name of Jesus Christ. 

The local church is the fundamental unit of mission within denominational life, and our priority.  American Baptist leaders have noted that our priority, "is to affirm, support and challenge congregations as they live out their mission."

The American Baptist Mission Center in Valley Forge, PA is a national resource for all congregations.  Like the Regional Offices that serve their churches, the Valley Forge offices are home to staffs and programs committed to enabling effective congregational mission and cooperative ministry.

Gathering In Christ's Name:  Embracing An Inclusive, Growing Family

As the most racially diverse denomination in Protestantism, the American Baptist Churches USA has seen an historic commitment to inclusiveness manifest itself in the makeup of its churches and their members.  Some of the most significant growth in recent years has been witnessed in our African American, Hispanic, Native American, Haitian, Portuguese and Asian American congregations.  We are a diverse people:  geographically, theologically and vocationally.

Affirming Mission: Autonomous, Interdependent Congregations

American Baptists continue a great religious tradition that has promoted local church autonomy, separation of church from state influence, and religious freedom.  Interdependence -- congregations doing ministry together -- also is an American Baptist hallmark.  Within the denominational household, the cooperative efforts of churches, regions, national and international agencies have produced great accomplishments in the name of Christ.